The Founder and Executive Director of Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF-LBG), Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu Jnr., has issued a strong call on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to immediately withdraw its recent utility tariff increment, describing the move as ill-timed, insensitive, and lacking broad-based consultation.
Speaking on Space FM’s flagship weekend program, The Hot Points, Mr. Ahenu urged Ghanaians to resist what he termed an unjustified burden being imposed on the already struggling population. He accused the government of hiding behind the PURC to introduce harsh economic measures under the guise of regulatory independence.
This increment is not only unwarranted but clearly shows the PURC is more interested in pleasing the government than protecting the interest of consumers,” Mr. Ahenu stated. “The inefficiencies of utility companies and poor financial management should not be transferred to innocent consumers who are already battling economic hardship.”
According to the PURC, electricity tariffs have gone up by 14.75% while water tariffs have seen a 4.02% increase. These adjustments were announced in a press release dated April 11, following the Commission’s quarterly tariff review process for the first and second quarters of 2025. The review considered factors such as the exchange rate, inflation trends, fuel costs (especially natural gas), and the existing hydro-thermal generation mix.
But Mr. Ahenu insists that such reasons are not convincing enough to justify further financial strain on consumers.
“How can we talk about raising tariffs when there is inconsistent electricity supply, and many communities barely get water flowing through their taps?” he questioned. “If poor governance has plunged the utility sector into debt, it is not the ordinary Ghanaian who should pay for that irresponsibility
He further lamented that many public officials and top government functionaries do not personally bear the cost of utilities, making them disconnected from the daily struggles of citizens.
Also contributing to the discussion, the Bono Regional Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Abdul Samad Nurudeen, warned that the recent hike could erode public confidence in the government.
This is just a few months into the new administration, and already we are witnessing decisions that hurt the very people who voted for change,” he said. “If this trend continues, Ghanaians may feel betrayed for entrusting power into the hands of the NDC.”
He described the tariff increment as insensitive and accused the government of engaging in deceptive politics.
Not long ago, the government abolished certain taxes like the e-levy and betting tax, which many applauded. But now, they are turning around with utility hikes that take away more than they gave. It’s a case of giving with one hand and taking with two.”
Both speakers called on civil society, the media, and ordinary Ghanaians to demand accountability and push back against policies that deepen economic hardship. They insisted that national development should not come at the cost of people’s survival.
